2. Humble prayer pierces the heavens, disarms the anger of God, obtains his mercies, and makes the snares of the evil one of none avail. A humble confession deserves forgiveness; but a frivolous excuse aggravates the offence. Sincere contrition wipes away the stain of sin; and fervent meditation shortens the penance. Idle talk weakens the grace of devotion, but good discourse increases the joy of our soul. We ought in every place to keep a cautious watch over our senses; and a spiritual retreat is